NX7.5 - Tool Axis Vector Indication missing? 1

[capnhook]

I opened up a NX3 partfile in NX7.5 today, and was looking at a 5-axis toolpath (actually a fixed contour, 3-2 toolpath), and now when I query the tool axis orientation, it seems I no longer get any numerical indication of how the tool axis is presently oriented.....?

I vaguely remember I had to input an "a" and "b" angle (or else alpha and theta angles) relative to the work coordinates to set the tool angle in NX3. in NX7.5, I have no indication of where the tool axis was positioned --- to me, a regression from NX3.

In addition, inside NX7.5, all I've been able to find in the vector dialog is "At angle to XC"......what seems to be missing from the dialog is "At angle to XC -AND- At angle to Yc" (and the two other combinations if ZC is to be included).

Hmmmmm.......grrrr.

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[capnhook]

Spoke too soon......found it -- a little deeper in the pile..

Tool axis > Specify Vector > Vector Dialog > By Coefficients > Spherical > Phi and Theta

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[markrief]

Glad to see you found it.

You are seeing a result of our UI constency efforts - some previous CAM-specific options now use NX standards. Allthough there is some initial adjustment, in the long run, it's much better. For example, once you know how to define a vector, it's the same everywhere!



Mark Rief
Product Manager
Siemens PLM

 

[capnhook]

Consistency......niiiiice, I like it.

But, that leads me to the next question.....suppose that I'd like to generate a very similar operation right away. Is there a way to "freeze" the vector dialog in its previously configured state ---

Tool axis > Specify Vector > Vector Dialog > By Coefficients > Spherical > Phi and Theta

--- to help me be more productive? I only need to learn how to use the vector dialog once.....It would really be helpful sometimes if the dialog was presented to me in the same configuration the very next time I wanted to use it.


Hmmmmm.......Maybe even just add a radio button that will make it fast-forward to the way the vector dialog was used the last time (so that all that needed be entered is Phi and Theta values?)


That way, consistency would be preserved, with the user having an option to pre-set the operation when it would be more productive to do so...


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[wmalan]

I'm still on NX6 but...

My favorite trick for tool vectors is to create those vectors using curves. Then select the reference curve as your tool vectors. Much faster selection and no typing required and you have some history. You can even label them for reference. Really helpful when using Interpolate in an operation.

--
Bill

 

[capnhook]

Creating curves and referring to them later when you need the vector is an excellent idea, Bill. Thanks.

I'd still like to be presented with the vector dialog in its previously used state.....is this at all possible in NX7.5?

I'd liken this to using a pair of adjustable pliers......I could walk to the tool crib, fill out a req., unpackage the tool, adjust the pliers, then use them; the very next time I needed a pair, I could walk to the tool crib, fill out a req., unpackage the tool, adjust the pliers, then use them ----or----- the next time I needed them, I could just use the pair I have, and adjust them for how I need to use them.

Y'all see how more productive I'd be if I didn't have to start at the beginning of the vector dialog every time I needed to use it?


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[capnhook]

"chirp"

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[capnhook]

Must then I conclude that the result of Siemen's UI efforts is non-configurable dialogs, albeit consistent ones?

Or are there system variables that could streamline the dialog configuration? There's more mouse clicks now compared to NX3.

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[capnhook]

er......"Siemens'"

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[markrief]

capn,
It sounds like you are looking for more depth in the dialog memory. I am not sure what response you are expecting.
This is a public forum, so my comments are limited.

If you want to confirm how the system should behave, please check the help or give GTAC a call.

If you want a response from Siemens, please comminicate to us. You can enter an enhancement request, or start a discussion in the GTAC forums, where there is lots of participation from Siemens customers and employees.


Mark Rief
Product Manager
Siemens PLM

 

[capnhook]

What we have learned so far:

1) In this particular dialog, the vector dialog, there is no dialog memory.




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